Helles Brau
Allagash Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

strange incarnation of a helles I think here, unconventional. it has a cloudiness to the poor I don't usually associate with helles (bright in german) lagers. it has a nice white head through, and it smells like lager yeast and medium bodied german malts. the taste though is interesting, it has a tartness, especially in the finish, the reminds me of anything but lager yeast, more like a saison, with slight citric acidity and a thirst quenching character that is exceptional. malt on the front end, spicy yeast on the back end, this is quite different from the more traditional helles beers ive had before, but the hop profile is right on, prickly german bitterness. nice carbonation and feel more generally, light and easy drinking, pleasing to the senses. I like that this is so different, the first sip really caught me off guard. allagash is on top of their game lately, this is darn good stuff, nice for fall too.